A Sit Down With DJ Carlo Lio

If music is the Universal language then Toronto Native, Carlo Lio is surely multilingual. It is this universal appeal that has allowed Carlo to speak to so many people without ever having to say a word. His ability to capture sounds and emit them so expressively is a gift. Music has always been a priority in Carlo’s life; anyone who witnesses him gracing the decks can attest to this. Carlo can turn a careful observer into a dancer through the raw emotion and passion in his music. Music is a language; it is a means of connectivity, intimacy and communication.

Originally known for leading the pack of prodigiously talented Toronto producers, Carlo has utilized his trademark cosmic house and techno sound to cement his status among today’s prodigiously talented world-renowned producers.

“There’s nothing worse than living with “what ifs” in your head”.

At what age did you decide that you wanted to make music your career?

Well I’ve never decided this. I’ve always loved music, and it has always been a part of my life. After my time was up being a regular partier in the club/rave scene, I still wanted that part of me in my life. I bought DJ equipment when I was about 20 yrs old. It was all supposed to be a pass time hobby, and I thank god it escalated much further.

How has Barcelona influenced your music?

Barcelona has definitely had an influence, but its more being in Europe itself. It’s such a different world then what I’m used to here in North America. The people, the culture and the music have all played a big part in influencing my music. It’s amazing to see how DJs play in one place vs. another as well as how people listen and react to the music in each location. Europe has opened my eyes, and made me aware of the difference, which has then in turn opened my mind musically.

Do you find life on the road to be inspiring for your music? What in particular about the DJ lifestyle can one see imprinted in your songs?

Absolutely!! How can it not be? New place everyday, meeting new people, eating great foods, experiencing new cultures. It doesn’t end! My music has a lot to do with where I have been and what I’ve seen and experienced. According to my fans, one element that is in all my tracks is “SOUL,” and I completely agree. Whether it’s a house track or a banging techno track; it all has soul and emotion.

Tell us about the new compilation you’ve mixed for SCI+TEC. Who is on it, what’s the theme of the mix, and how many tracks?

What’s my favorite city is always a hard question to answer because there are so many amazing ones. If I had to narrow it down to a few, I’m really in love with Spain. It’s the reason why I choose to live there in the summers. You have Ibiza, and Barcelona too, which is an amazing place, so I’d have to say that.

What inspires you to make music?

Music inspires me to make music. There nothing more inspiring than hearing someone else’s productions that make you say “HEY!, I need to make a better track than this”. It’s a love/hate jealousy game that keeps me motivated to do better.

Where can we see your other productions coming up?

Obviously summer has been a bit slow, as I’ve been travelling like nuts and so haven’t released much. But I have a few remixes coming up. One for Stefano Noferini, another for Sian’s album and one more for The Basement Jaxx remix album. As for original stuff, I have a new collaboration with Paul Rich coming on Quartz, a new EP on Suara, and an EP on This & That the label of Davide Squillace. Also you will see a new Sci+Tec EP, but that will be at the beginning of the new year. Oh and a single on InMotion so yeah there is a ton of stuff to keep your eyes open for!

Techno, tech house and their surrounding genres have been gaining popularity stateside. In your opinion, what has been the catalyst for this change?

It’s known that EDM is still a very big part of the scene in the USA. It seems that the younger generation have caught onto this. But with more underground music being slowly introduced – opinions and tastes are changing gradually. Young people travel more now, they experience Europe and the music scene offered there which I think has opened up their minds, and its gaining momentum now in the US and Canada. Clubs are doing a great job bringing in new artists from the underground scene and showcasing some of the best music out there at the moment. So lets hope this continues!

If you could tour along with another fellow DJ, whom would you choose?

Well Loco Dice has always been on of my favorites for many reasons. His live sets are always top notch, his production and diversity is next level, and I really like him as a person.

Do you prefer smaller crowds or larger ones when preforming in general.

I get asked this a lot. But they are 2 very different things. I like them both equally. Performing for a small crowd you get that intimate vibe you will never get from a festival. And from a big crowd you get this raging stadium feeling you won’t get from a small club. So each has something the other doesn’t.

What advice would you give to an up and coming DJ?

DONT STOP! Because you never know when your time will come. I’ve seen a lot of people give up and kick themselves for it. I’ve also seen some people grinding it out for years and years until it happens for them. There’s nothing worse than living with “what ifs” in your head.